Peter Jackson has always understood how the popularization of the internet changed film. Since the beginning of his pre-production on The Lord of the Rings he was available to fans, sometimes against the wishes of studios, as he included potential ticket buyers into the process of film production.
With Facebook covering all of web land and growing into every demographic possible, Jackson has seized that new platform to remove the big and sometimes slow publicity machine studios have in place and instead speaks right at fans. To see more visit Movies.com

Welcome to our collection of TORn’s hottest topics for the past week. If you’ve fallen behind on what’s happening on the Message Boards, here’s a great way to catch the highlights. Or if you’re new to TORn and want to enjoy some great conversations, just follow the links to some of our most popular discussions. Watch this space as every weekend we will spotlight the most popular buzz on TORn’s Message Boards. Everyone is welcome, so come on in and join in the fun!

Welcome to our collection of TORn’s hottest topics for the past week. If you’ve fallen behind on what’s happening on the Message Boards, here’s a great way to catch the highlights. Or if you’re new to TORn and want to enjoy some great conversations, just follow the links to some of our most popular discussions. Watch this space as every weekend we will spotlight the most popular buzz on TORn’s Message Boards. Everyone is welcome, so come on in and join in the fun!

If you fell for our April Fool’s yesterday, don’t feel too bad. We included a long standing rumor of Saoirse Ronan as Itaril to help convince you the release was ‘real.’ As we all know, Saoirse has been talking about her possible role as Itaril the elf for a few months. The latest piece of evidence that she is in fact already cast comes from the latest issue of Total Film magazine. In the ‘Buzz’ section, Total Film interviews Saoirse Ronan and asks…

You’re just about to start shooting The Hobbit – how long have you known that you might be in it?

When I did The lovely Bones, they said, “We want you to be in The Hobbit.” I love the book. It’d be so cool to go back to New Zealand Again.

The question is pretty clear she is cast and she doesn’t refute it in the answer. Just another piece of evidence that we will see Saoirse in The Hobbit. But will she be the created role of Itaril? Another role? We won’t know until the real official press release. Thanks to Ringer TheArcher777 for sending in a scan of the interview for your viewing pleasure. Share your thoughts and opinion in our comments, forum and on facebook! [Scan of Interview] [Total Film]

On this episode of Hobbit in 5, production photos arrive from the Hobbit set, fans share their stories on Tolkien Reading Day, Saiorse Ronan gives us her insights on how the Hobbit film might be different from The Lord of The Rings production, and Weta Workshop offer up a wonderful Bag End replica giveaway if you can solve their puzzle.

The LA Times ’24 Frames’ blog has an interview with rumored Hobbit participant, Saiorse Ronan, which reveals a significant statement about PJ’s adaptation of The Hobbit to film. Among other highlights in the article is the following statement from Ms. Ronan:

“Pete is adding a lot of characters in the film adaption,” she said. “Hopefully they have a part for me.”

This lines up with long standing rumors that a character named ‘Itaril’ has been added to the movie and Ms. Ronan is queued up for the role.

Itaril is described in unofficial casting call sheets as: female, A woodland Elf, this character is one the Silvan Elves. The Silvan Elves are seen as more earthy and practical. Shorter than other elves, she is still quick and lithe and physically adept, being able to fight with both sword and bow. Showing promise as a fighter at a young age, ITARIL was chosen to train to become part of the Woodland King’s Guard. This is the only life she has ever expected to live, until she meets and secretly falls in love with a young ELF LORD. This role will require a wig and contact lenses to be worn. Some prosthetic make-up may also be required. LEAD. AGE: 17-27.

Time will tell, but odds are we’ll be seeing Saiorse Ronan in this role for The Hobbit. Saiorse also mentioned that The Hobbit will be ‘a little bit lighter than ‘Lord of the Rings’.’ Read the full interview at the LA Times [Read on]

Wellington, NZ, March 21, 2011—Production has commenced in Wellington, New Zealand, on “The Hobbit,” filmmaker Peter Jackson’s two film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s widely read masterpiece.

“The Hobbit” is set in Middle-earth 60 years before Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” which Jackson and his filmmaking team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar-winning “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.”

The two films, with screenplays by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro and Peter Jackson, will be shot consecutively in digital 3D using the latest camera and stereo technology. Filming will take place at Stone Street Studios, Wellington, and on location around New Zealand.

“The Hobbit” follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakensheild. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. (more…)

Merie sends this in: From iftn.ie – “Ros Hubbard is a world renowned casting director having worked on hugely successful films such as ‘The Commitments’, ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy and ‘Father Ted’ with her family. IFTN caught up with the Irish talent spotter to talk about casting hobbits and dwarves for Peter Jackson, her trouble finding thin Irish children and ‘Father Ted’ bringing out her catholic guilt!” She basically confirmed that Saoirse Ronan has a part in “The Hobbit”. More..

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